What sad and dreadful stories. When a party fails so miserably, I wonder who’s the most embarrassed and awkward – the host, the guest of honor, or the handful of people who show up.
Years ago, my brother-in-law had a small part on a TV show called “L.A. Law.” Paul and I invited a number of people to stop by and watch with us. We got many acceptances, so were expecting a large group. I bought sandwich and dessert platters from a nearby deli, and I got lots of beverages and put them on ice.
As the time approached, guests started to call and say that they had to work late, or that the traffic was too miserable, or that something else had come up, etc. And, of course, there were the usual no-shows who don’t bother to call.
Two people came. BIL’s bit part – three lines – last all of a few seconds, so the four of us just sat around for a while and felt uncomfortable.